The Renaissance Newark Foundation (RNF) and the Newark Regional Business Partnership (NRBP) have announced that their signature annual event, the Partners & Leaders Dinner, will take place on April 14.
Set against the backdrop of the historic Nanina’s in the Park from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., the gala serves as a primary fundraiser for the RNF, the 501(c)(3) arm of Newark’s chamber of commerce. The evening is designed to celebrate the collaborative spirit driving Newark’s economic and civic “renaissance.”
Honoring Newark’s visionaries
This year’s program spotlights three honorees recognized for their deep impact on the city’s skyline, workforce and social equity:
- New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT): Celebrated as a nationally ranked R1 research university, NJIT is being honored for its pivotal role in bridging the gap between high-tech innovation and Newark’s local industry.
- Urban League of Essex County (ULEC): A century-long pillar of the community, ULEC is recognized for its commitment to inclusive growth through housing initiatives, youth education, and workforce development.
- Frank Giantomasi, CSG Law: A legendary figure in New Jersey real estate and a “son of the Ironbound,” Giantomasi is being honored for his decades of leadership. As a founding partner of CSG Law and former NRBP Board Chair, he has been instrumental in major projects shaping Newark’s modern landscape.
The event will also feature a Vendor Marketplace, a curated space allowing attendees to network directly with Newark-based artisans and small business owners. This highlights the RNF’s broader mission, which includes the Small & Emerging Business Initiative (SEBI)—a program supported by Prudential Financial that helps local entrepreneurs scale their operations through chamber resources.
“This evening celebrates the leaders and institutions whose vision strengthens Newark’s position as a city of equity and prosperity,” Ferlanda Fox Nixon, president & CEO of NRBP said.
Sponsorship and Attendance
The 2026 dinner is supported by a roster of New Jersey business giants, including:
- Dinner Sponsor: Prudential Financial
- Cocktail Reception Sponsors: CSG Law and PSE&G
- Marketplace Sponsors: Brilliant Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, LLC, Kuiken Brothers Company, Inc., and Turner Construction Company.
Tickets and remaining sponsorship opportunities can be secured by contacting Kirsten Giardi at [email protected].
